Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday accused Russia of “effectively rejecting” US-backed ceasefire proposals after renewed missile strikes targeted civilian infrastructure across Ukraine.
The accusation came shortly after a high-stakes 90-minute call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the discussion, Putin agreed to pause attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities for 30 days but refused a full ceasefire unless the West halted all military and intelligence support to Kyiv.
Moments after the call, air raid sirens blared across multiple Ukrainian cities, with explosions reported in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Sumy. Zelensky confirmed on X that a hospital in Sumy was struck, stating, “Today, Putin effectively rejected the proposal for a full ceasefire.”
The Kremlin defended its stance, insisting that Putin’s decision to temporarily halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid was conditional. “The key condition for peace remains the complete cessation of Western military and intelligence support to Ukraine’s forces,” the Kremlin stated.
Meanwhile, Washington continues to push for a 30-day comprehensive ceasefire as a first step toward ending the ongoing war, now entering its third year. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has taken an active role in diplomatic efforts, claiming to have an “understanding” with Putin.
